SLAYTON, William John "Jerry"

SLAYTON, CRIMMINS, CURTIS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/26/2016 at 01:01:24

Biography ~ William John "Jerry" Slayton
Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa

William John "Jerry" Slayton was born on February 2, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jerry obtained his B.A. degree from the University of Kansas in 1964; his M.A. in 1967; and his Ph.D. from Rice University in 1969.

Jerry joined Graceland's faculty in 1969 shortly after the introduction of the college's German major and after obtaining his Ph.D. He helped nurture the program during the following three decades. Known for providing innovative experiences for students learning the German language, Jerry provided translation sessions at Iowa's Amana Colonies and participated in worship services in Europe. Jerry developed the Language and Culture interdisciplinary course and taught introductory classes during winter term on languages not normally taught at Graceland, which included Russian, Latin and Italian.

Off campus, Jerry began a biennial tradition in 1970 of serving as a volunteer translator at the RLDS World Conference, usually as chief or co-chief of the German translation section. He was a host at a U.S.A. book display in 1987 and 1988, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy at the annual International Book Fair held in Lipzig, East Germany. Jerry was also involved as a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Jerry retired in 2003.

In 1964, Jerry married Gloria Lavelle Crimmins. Gloria was born April 11, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of John Henry and Vera Naomi (Curtis) Crimmins. Jerry and Gloria were the parents of two sons, John and Paul.

Jerry died on June 15, 2003. Gloria died on December 14, 2013, Lamoni, Iowa, and was interred at Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. They were interred at Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence, Missouri.

SOURCE:

Goehner, David. "The Graceland College Book of Knowledge: From A To Z." p. 437. Herald House. Independence MO. 1997.

Gloria Lavelle (Crimmins) Slayton obituary

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2016

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